Shoe Designer Spotlight: Mary Norton
January 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under Designer Spotlight
Who is Mary Norton?
The designer behind Mary Norton is…Mary Norton! She designs all her shoes and handbags herself. She began the company as Moo Roo in 1998 and rebranded under her own name as Mary Norton in 2006.
Mary Norton’s design philosophy:
To design timeless treasures at affordable prices.
Break it down in 5 words:
Classic Hollywood glamour for everyone!
What brought you to the shoe industry?
“When Mary Norton was launched,” Norton confides, “I felt the company should begin taking the next steps in becoming a lifestyle brand. As such, shoes were the next logical step because they pair perfectly with my handbags. Now I adore every minute I spend getting to design and learn from the maestros in Italy on how to craft the very best shoes.”
Tell us about your spring 2009:
Spring 2009 was inspired by the Five Senses, which Norton interpreted into the bags and shoes with color, embroideries, jewel pieces, feathers, leathers, and so on:
The sense of sight is represented by the entire collection.
The sense of taste is translated into candy, with candy dots, cotton candy, candy colors and so on.
The sense of sound is represented by disco music and interpreted into jeweled and embroidered disco balls.
The sense of smell is translated into a fantasy orchid appliqué.
The sense of touch is inspired by the swirling motion within a tidal pool.
What are you most excited about for fall 2009?
“I ADORE MY FALL 2009 COLLECTION!!! I am most excited about some of our new shapes that are a real advancement for us and the fact that we have improved our price point to be even better for our customers without having to compromise the quality or design…wait until y’all see this collection!”
Which celebrity or political figure do you envision wearing your shoes?
“Oh please, what designer has not said Michelle Obama!! Really though, our new Fall collection has some low heeled pumps that would be sooooo her.”
“With regard to celebrities, we have been honored to accessorize nearly every leading lady of our time. Carrie Underwood, Dancing With the Stars Carrie Ann Inaba, Teri Hatcher, Angela Bassett, and Catherine Zeta Jones to name a few. “However,” says Norton, “there are a few left on our most wanted list: Meryl Streep, Kate Blanchett, and Jennifer Aniston. So watch out you fantastic ladies….we’re after you!”
What are you working on right now?
“I am currently working on Spring 2010…I’ll give you a hint at the theme…Babalooo!”
How do you give back?
Mary Norton is very committed to their local Children’s Hospital in Charleston. She offers, “We will be putting on a huge event in conjunction with Charleston Fashion Week at the end of March to benefit the hospital.”
- The event will begin on March 26th with a Mary Norton runway show followed on March 27th with the premier Mary Norton-Saks Fifth Avenue “Catwalk For Kids” benefit luncheon.
- Norton’s dear friend Wayne Newton is coming out to perform, and Michael Fink (Fashion Director-Saks) will be on hand to give expert Spring fashion advice. “We’re putting on a big party to make lots of money for this wonderful hospital,” Norton adds.
If you’re anywhere near Charleston at the end of March, please plan on attending. We’re ensured it will be a blast. For more information, check out Mary Norton, MUSC Kids or Charleston Fashion Week for details.
What shoes are you wearing RIGHT now?
Mary’s sporting her own Mary Norton silver python Bridgette flats. “From my first season-trendless, timeless,” she beams.
Any tips for travelin’ shoes?
“I always use my dusters for packing. I also keep those silly little shoeshine kits in tins that they give you in nice hotels. They work wonderfully for a quick little shine while traveling.”
Her tips for keeping shoes in tip-top shape:
“Have a good shoe repair person in your hometown. Keep your shoes resoled and reheeled. Buy good quality shoes (such as ours) and if you maintain them they will last for many years (trendless and timeless).”
What is your favorite vacation spot?
“Anywhere with my daughters! Micah is 13 and Reilly is 11, they are wonderful and hilarious. They make anywhere we go on vacation an adventure and fun. Our last vacation was skiing in Crested Butte Colorado and it was so terrific to see them learn to ski and get better each day. Last Christmas we went on a tour of Haciendas of Mexico in the Yucatan. It was totally off the beaten track, no TVs, no other kids, just us, for two weeks and they didn’t even want to kill my husband and I by the end!”
What are you reading right now
“Understanding Islam, The Bible (everyday) and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.”
Best place to get YOUR Mary Norton’s:
Saks Fifth Avenue (multiple locations), Tootsies (Houston and Dallas, Texas), Harrods (London), TSUM (Moscow) among other locations. For a complete list please visit their website at MaryNorton.com.
